Book Review: The Untamed Earl by Valerie Bowman

51l0ttFuCmL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_Reviewer: Andrea

I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

The Summary:

AN INDECENT PROPOSAL

The Summary:

Lady Alexandra Hobbs, the daughter of the Duke of Huntley, has intended to marry Lord Owen Monroe since she first glimpsed him from the window of her bedchamber, back when she was just a girl. But the duke has already chosen Alex’s infamously spoiled elder sister, Lavinia, for Owen. And now there’s no turning back.

Owen has spent most of his bachelor years drinking, gambling, and skirt-chasing. He won’t see another pound from his parents, however, until he’s engaged to Lavinia. Desperate, he accepts an offer from her innocent and spirited—and absolutely beautiful—sister Alex: She will turn him into a perfectly tamed suitor, and show him how to woo the shrew. But when Alex’s true motives come to light, will their bargain lead to recriminations—or to a romance that defies everyone’s expectations?

Award-winning author Valerie Bowman once again delivers romance and wit in The Untamed Earl!

The Review:

Alex’s story is like the worst case of middle-child syndrome ever! Stuck between the heir apparent and the spoiled, hateful sister, poor Alex is a tinder-hearted do-gooder. She is everything you expect from a heroine—the diamond in the rough, sugary, with a tiny streak of daring. I loved seeing her as an adolescent in the novels opening chapter. It was refreshing and interesting to see the beginnings of her love for our hero, Owen, the typical ne’er-do-well rake.

I wish Owen had more depth, however. He felt a bit flat for me with the incessant drinking and “I’m a worthless lout” attitude. Their story also fell together pretty easily. I would have liked more of a struggle. I like my lovers more star-crossed with more angst. The plot lacked a strong development, but the novel was sweet and without too much smut. It was an easy, fast read and just the fix romance seekers would want.

4 Stars